THE BRIDE

The old lady’s life

was a long wait for her life-partner who

left her one day morning after planting

a warm kiss on her forehead

while they were in their prime.

She, as usual, waited for

his arrival that day evening

believing in his promise of meeting her

at the scheduled time.

He came not and

she spent sleepless

days and nights waiting

for his arrival any time

any moment, to be with her.

Her waits though prolonged upto days, weeks,

months and years, was of no avail.

In the meantime

keeping the memories of spring season close to her chest

TIME,

the greatest magician of all times,

by his sleight of hand

gradually stole her youth first by making her hair

turn silvery and developed wrinkles on her body

with dark circles appearing around her eyes later.

Despite all these

her dreams of a spring season

never made a vanishing appearance

and she never forgot to sport

vermillion on the parting of her fore-head

believing him to be alive somewhere

the very thought of him leaving the earth

for ever was unimaginable to her

and like

a newly-wed lady attired in her bridal costumes

nursing hopes of her husband’s approach

anytime, any moment she always waited in the portico

throwing her glances far far away.

Her mingling with her relatives and friends

too were like a newly-wed bride

waiting for her groom remaining

always happy, pleasant and dreamy.

Even while she fell ill due to old-age-ailment

her eyes shone wide looking around for

the appearance of her

life-partner….who still...remained elusive…..